This week, Newslaundry’s Abhinandan Sekhri, Manisha Pande and Raman Kirpal were joined by former Supreme Court judge Justice Madan Lokur and political journalist Neerja Choudhury.

Neerja describes Dr Manmohan Singh, who died this week, as a “gentleman politician and a unifying figure” who will be remembered for his “decency in politics” and landmark contributions such as the RTI Act, MGNREGA, and the Indo-US nuclear deal. Justice Lokur says, “He was a great man and a great loss for the country.” 

Manisha reflects on the media’s role during Singh’s tenure, saying, “Back then, leaders were judged critically but fairly, without fear of retribution.”

Abhinandan adds, “Manmohan Singh’s leadership taught us that decency is not a weakness but a strength in politics.”

On the media and judicial accountability, Justice Lokur acknowledges the increased public scrutiny on courts. “There must be ways to check judges without undermining the institution,” he says, referencing the need for mechanisms beyond impeachment. Neerja criticises the sensationalism that’s come to define election coverage, saying the media’s role “is to hold power accountable, not amplify divisive rhetoric”.

The panel also reflects on key events of 2024. Neerja cautions that the “challenge to Modi’s leadership might come from the extreme right within the BJP itself”. Manisha points out the troubling rhetoric in election speeches, adding, “The prime minister’s speeches targeting minorities were demoralising and crossed a line.”

Raman highlights the year’s highs and lows, saying, “The coalition government formation was a relief for democracy, but the political language this year hit new lows.”

This and a lot more. Tune in!

Hafta letters: Parliament data, listening to old Haftas, BJP’s performance in polls

We have a page for subscribers to send letters to our shows. If you want to write to Hafta, click here. 

Check out the Newslaundry store and flaunt your love for independent media. 

Download the Newslaundry app. Contribute to our latest NL Sena here.

Song:  Unstoppable

Audio timecodes

00:00:00 - Introductions

00:02:49 - Headlines

00:09:53 - NL Sena announcements

00:11:18- Manmohan Singh’s legacy

00:34:52 - Media, judiciary, and key events of 2024

01:03:06 - Announcements

01:11:46 - Subscriber letters

01:19:14 - Recommendations

References 

NL Sena: The Hindu Rashtra project

Exclusive: In 3 Lok Sabha seats swung by BJP, many wrong voter deletions, violations of EC norms

In Farrukhabad, targeted voter deletions came before BJP’s thin victory margin

Manmohan Singh was loud enough for those who cared to listen

Delhi के नफ़रती बहसबाजों की अंदरूनी दुनिया | Ground Report

As 2024 ends, here are 10 stories that exemplify the power of independent journalism

I Agree With Harvinder Kaur Chowdhury

Fight To Breathe

Recommendations

Neerja 

A Part Apart: The Life and Thought of B.R. Ambedkar

Madan

Trial by Fire (film) 

My Octopus Teacher

Manisha

Manmohan Singh was loud enough for those who cared to listen

Delhi के नफ़रती बहसबाजों की अंदरूनी दुनिया | Ground Report

As 2024 ends, here are 10 stories that exemplify the power of independent journalism

Raman

Strictly Personal: Manmohan and Gursharan

Exclusive: In 3 Lok Sabha seats swung by BJP, many wrong voter deletions, violations of EC norms

In Farrukhabad, targeted voter deletions came before BJP’s thin victory margin

Abhinandan

What Went Wrong With Capitalism: Ruchir Sharma

Made In Heaven

Check out previous Hafta recommendations, references, songs and letters. 

Produced and recorded by Prashant Kumar and Priyali Dhingra.

This episode is outside of the paywall, just for the week and just for you. Before it goes back behind the paywall, why not subscribe? Get brand-new episodes of all our podcasts every week, while also doing your bit to support independent media. Click here to subscribe.